Newnan blasts past Northside in 12-0 victory

Newnan's softball team pounded out nine hits and played its own version of home-run derby en route to a 12-0 victory over Northside-Columbus on Wednesday at home in a game called by mercy rule after four innings.

It was a chance for the Lady Cougars to even this year's record at 3-3 while adding a bit of confidence heading into today's Region 3-AAAAAA opener against Douglas County at home. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m., at Newnan.

Newnan broke the game open with nine runs in the third inning to put the game out of reach while using homers from Lindsey Stewart, Leslie Davis and Arden Jobe in an extended rally that was capped off by Jobe's threerun blast during a 3-for-3 effort.

The Lady Cougars built a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but the nine-run explosion in the third quickly pushed their lead to 11. Lauren Ferguson went 2-for-2 to pace the offense while Davis and Chasity Meadows both finished with 2 RBIs.

Masen Willard and cleanup hitter Lindsay Stewart also drove in runs for Newnan, which added a final run in the bottom of the fourth to force the mercy rule.

Lady Cougar junior starting pitcher Tori Loveless gave up two hits without surrendering a walk while facing 15 batters.

Newnan also showcased its speed with stolen bases by Hannah Scarbrough and Chayie Goggins, the latter taking third after connecting for a double.

HERITAGE SCHOOL PICKS UP FIRST WIN: The Lady Hawks entered Wednesday's home game against Mount de Sales at 1-0 following a 13-3 victory on Monday, also at home. Results from Wednesday's game were unavailable at deadline.

Heritage travels to play Griffin Christian today at 4:30 p.m.

REGION PLAY CONTINUES TODAY FOR COUNTY TEAMS: While Newnan and East Coweta open respective Region 3-AAAAAA schedules today, Northgate takes an 2-0 record in 4-AAAAA on the road against a tough Ola team that is 6-1 overall and 1-0 in region play.

Game time at Ola is 6:30 p.m.

The Lady Vikings have won four straight games since a 4-1 loss to McIntosh during the Georgia Dugout Club's annual tournament. The game did not count in the region standings and the teams will meet again on Sept. 12 in Peachtree City.